Communication Styles: A Self Assessment Exercise

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Communication Styles: A Self�\Assessment Exercise

(Based on the work of P Case ��Teaching for the Cross-Cultural Mind��

Washington, DC, SIETAR, 1981)

Instructions: Please select from each pair of attributes the one which is most

typical of your personality. No pair is an either-or proposal. Make your choice as

spontaneously as possible. There is no wrong answer.

1. I like action.

2. I deal with problems in a systematic

way.

3. I believe that teams are more

effective than individuals.

4. I enjoy innovation very much.

5. I am more interested in the future

than in the past.

6. I enjoy working with people.

19. I think I am good at reading people.

20. I like creative problem solving.

21. I extrapolate and project all the time.

22. I am sensitive to others�� needs.

23. Planning is the key to success.

24. I become impatient with long

deliberations.

25. I am cool under pressure.

26. I value experience very much.

7. I like to attend well-organized group

meetings.

8. Deadlines are important for me.

27. I listen to people.

28. People say that I am a fast thinker.

9. I cannot stand procrastination.

10. I believe that new ideas have to be

tested before being used.

29. Cooperation is a key word for me.

30. I use logical methods to test

alternatives.

11. I enjoy the stimulation of interaction

with others.

12. I am always looking for new

possibilities.

31. I like to handle several projects at

the same time.

32. I always question myself.

13. I want to set up my own objectives.

14. When I start something, I go through

until the end.

15. I basically try to understand other

people��s emotions.

16. I do challenge people around me.

17. I look forward to receiving feedback

on my performance.

18. I find the step-by-step approach very

effective.

33. I learn by doing.

34. I believe that my head rules my

heart.

35. I can predict how others may react

to a certain action.

36. I do not like details.

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Communication Styles: A Self�\Assessment Exercise

(Based on the work of P Case ��Teaching for the Cross-Cultural Mind��

Washington, DC, SIETAR, 1981)

37. Analysis should always precede

action.

38. I am able to assess the climate of a

group.

39. I have a tendency to start things and

not finish them up.

40. I perceive myself as decisive.

41. I search for challenging tasks.

42. I rely on observation and data.

43. I can express my feelings openly.

44. I like to design new projects.

45. I enjoy reading very much.

46. I perceive myself as a facilitator.

47. I like to focus on one issue at a time.

48. I like to achieve.

49. I enjoy learning about others.

50. I like variety.

61. I try out my new ideas on people.

62. I believe in the scientific approach.

63. I like to get things done.

64. Good relationships are essential.

65. I am impulsive.

66. I accept differences in people.

67. Communicating with people is an

end in itself.

68. I like to be intellectually stimulated.

69. I like to organize.

70. I usually jump from one task to

another.

71. Talking and working with people is a

creative art.

72. Self-actualization is a key word for

me.

73. I enjoy playing with ideas.

74. I dislike wasting my time.

51. Facts speak for themselves.

52. I use my imagination as much as

possible.

75. I enjoy doing what I am good at.

76. I learn by interacting with others.

53. I am impatient with long, slow

assignments.

54. My mind never stops working.

77. I find abstractions interesting and

enjoyable.

78. I am patient with details.

55. Key decisions have to be made in a

cautious way.

56. I strongly believe that people need

each other to get work done.

79. I like brief, to the point statements.

80. I feel confident in myself.

57. I usually make decisions without

thinking too much.

58. Emotions create problems.

59. I like to be liked by others.

60. I can put two and two together very

quickly.

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Communication Styles: A Self�\Assessment Exercise

(Based on the work of P Case ��Teaching for the Cross-Cultural Mind��

Washington, DC, SIETAR, 1981)

Scoring Sheet for the Communication Styles Assessment

Instructions: Circle the items you have selected and add up the totals for each

style (one point per answer). The maximum is 20 per style and your total for the

four styles should be 40.

Style Circle your answer here Total Score

(max. 20)

Style 1

1 - 8 - 9 - 13 - 17 - 24 - 26 - 31 - 33 - 40 - 41 - ____________

48 - 50 - 53 - 57 - 63 - 65 - 70 - 74 �C 79

Style 2

2 - 7 - 10 - 14 - 18 - 23 - 25 - 30 - 34 - 37 - 42 - ____________

47 - 51 - 55 - 58 - 62 - 66 - 69 - 75 - 78

Style 3

3 - 6 - 11 - 15 - 19 - 22 - 27 - 29 - 35 - 38 - 43 - ____________

46 - 49 - 56 - 59 - 64 - 67 - 71 - 76 - 80

Style 4

4 - 5 - 12 - 16 - 20 - 21 - 28 - 32 - 36 - 39 - 44 - ____________

45 - 52 - 54 - 60 - 61 - 68 - 72 - 73 �C 77

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Communication Styles Described

We can think about the four styles in quadrants that use focus and pace as key indicators. Associators

and Innovators are primarily concerned with relationships. For Associators, it��s mostly relationships of

people whereas Innovators are thinking of relationships of ideas and then how they relate to people.

Systemizers and Energizers are looking at results��data results and then deliverable or end results.

Style 1: Energizer: Direct/Fast�\Paced, Results Oriented

1. Characteristics: Pragmatic, Direct, Impatient, Decisive, Quick, Energetic

2. Discussion Topics: Results, Objectives, Performance, Efficiency, Progress, Decisions,

Responsibility, Feedback, Achievements

3. Priorities: Action, Accomplishment

4. Time: Right now

Skills: Highly productive, energetic, enthusiastic, good at making decisions

May come across as: Impatient, insensitive, miss details

Communicating with an Energizer

?

?

?

?

?

?

Brevity is key, talk in bullet points

Focus on results first

Emphasize practicality of idea

Make direct eye contact and be confident

Use visual Aids

Walk and talk

Style 2: Systemizer: Indirect/Slow Paced, Results Oriented

1. Characteristics: Logical, Analytical, Organized, Systematic, Factual, Cautious

2. Discussion Topics: Facts, Procedures, Planning, Organizing, Controlling, Testing, Trying things

out, Analysis, Observations, Proof, Details

3. Priorities: Facts, Order, Details

4. Time: Past, Present, and Future

Skills: Organize information well, less prone to mistakes

May come across as: Picky, aloof, critical

Communicating with a Systemizer

?

?

?

?

?

Focus on facts and data

Provide proof and methodology to back up proposal

Keep discussion/proposal in logical order (background, current situation, results)

Provide written documentation

Do not rush

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Communication Styles Described

Style 3: Associator: Indirect/Slow Paced, Relationship Oriented

1. Characteristics: Friendly, Warm, Empathetic, Emotional, Perceptive, Sensitive, Spontaneous

2. Discussion Topics: People Needs, Motivation, Teamwork, Communication, Feelings, Self�\

Development, Awareness, Relationships

3. Priorities: Relationships, People

4. Time: Past

Skills: Perceptive, friendly, team players

May come across as: Unassertive, emotional, slow

Communicating with an Associator

?

?

?

?

Allow for personal talk, build rapport

Connect results to relationships and people

Seek their opinions/ideas

Discuss past results and successes

Style 4: Innovator: Direct/Fast Paced, Relationship oriented

1. Characteristics: Charismatic, Creative, Difficult to Understand, Full of Ideas, Provocative

2. Discussion Topics: Concepts, Innovation, New Ways, New Methods, Improvement, New Ideas,

Opportunities, Possibilities, Big Picture, Potential

3. Priorities: Relationships, People

4. Time: Future

Skills: Visionary, Creative, See big picture

May come across as: Difficult to understand, unrealistic, unproductive

Communicating with an Innovator

?

?

?

?

Allow time for brainstorming

Talk about big picture and what idea could mean

Stress uniqueness of an idea or topic

Follow up meeting with brief to�\do list

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